Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden deserves more support from organization

Akron Beacon Journal | Aug 16

Leave it to the Browns to try to orchestrate a controversy where one doesn’t exist. While most NFL teams avoid open quarterback competitions like they’re staph infections the Browns insist they have one despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

Brandon Weeden is the Browns’ quarterback. There is no competition controversy or contest. If there was any doubt before (and there wasn’t) Weeden eradicated it with his performance in a 24-6 preseason victory Thursday over the Detroit Lions.

He was 8-of-12 for 117 yards and two touchdowns. He completed a brilliant 34-yard pass over Josh Gordon’s back shoulder to set up the first touchdown. He rifled two scoring passes to Jordan Cameron. (Want a fantasy sleeper? Cameron has the potential to be a terrific red-zone target).

In two preseason games Weeden is 18-of-25 for 229 yards three touchdowns and no interceptions. He has done everything asked of him to this point in camp. He has made all the throws he is emerging as a leader in the locker room and he seems to know the playbook well.

All of that makes Browns coach Rob Chudzinski’s insistence this week that the quarterback competition is “still close” just plain silly.

I get it it’s still early in camp. If Chudzinski wasn’t ready to declare a starter after only one preseason game fine. But don’t patronize the rest of us by insisting the emperor really is wearing a toga. We can see for ourselves what Weeden is accomplishing this month and it’s about time he gets the proper support from everyone else.